Events old and new to draw in an audience
SOUTHPORT is staging some sensational events that people can enjoy this Autumn.
Southport Comedy Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary with 16 top comedians performing over 17 days; live music is back at The Atkinson with Southport Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival; and fireworks will explode in the skies above Southport when the British Musical Fireworks Championship comes back with a bang.
We also have some exciting new events to enjoy, including: Classic and Speed, Spectacular Light Trail and the Festival of Fantastic Machines.
Make sure you put these in your diary!
1. British Musical Fireworks Championship
The British Musical Fireworks Championship is a firework competition across three nights, where competitors battle it out to be crowned the ultimate winner.
Set in Victoria Park from Friday, September 24 to Sunday, September 26, prepare for breath-taking displays, an array of light and a mixture of music which will have you dancing away.
The fireworks are synchronised to music and the entire show is choreographed to give the audience some of the most spectacular fireworks you will ever see.
Over three nights, there will be seven 15-minute displays.
Seven competitors will host jaw dropping pyro wizardry, with a panel of professional judges marking each display after the event, before announcing the winner on the Sunday.
Visit: www.visitsouthport.com
2. Festival of Fantastic Machines
A brand new event will take place in Southport this September, celebrating a wide array of vehicles of all shapes, sizes and ages! Southport Pleasureland will host the Festival of Fantastic Machines on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26.
A Southport Pleasureland spokesperson said:
“This two-day event is a celebration of the Brits’ passion for all things mechanical.
“Southport has a fabulous history of steam and speed. From classic car manufacturing, steam enthusiasts, beach racing, land speed records to Stephenson’s Rocket. It all happened here at one time or another. And we’re bringing those glory days back for you.
“The fantastic event includes: a steam rally, auto jumble, vintage cars and bikes, military vehicles, fairground rides and traders.”
For more details visit: www.southportpleasureland.com
3. Southport Comedy Festival
Southport Comedy Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year – by unveiling a new festival vibe! The event, from October 1 to October 17, traditionally takes place every October at venues around the resort, including theatres, bars, restaurants, leisure attractions and others.
This year every Southport Comedy Festival show will take place in a luxury marquee at Victoria Park in Southport, complete with a festival beer garden – and the strongest line-up ever.
This year’s top class acts include: Jason Byrne, Reginald D Hunter, Jo Caulfield, Tom Stade, Ed Byrne, Mark Thomas, Paul Sinha, Tez Ilyas, Luisa Omielan, Hal Cruttenden, Geoff Norcott, Steve Royle, Helen Bauer, Troy Hawke, Katie Tracey, and David Eagle. Tickets are now on sale.
Southport Comedy Festival director Brendan Riley said: “It is all about bouncing back! This is the strongest Southport Comedy Festival line-up we have ever had.
“Guests can enjoy 16 shows across 17 days – every night is a headline act!”
For tickets visit: southportcomedyfestival.com
4. Southport Classic and Speed
Southport’s recordbreaking motor sporting heritage will be celebrated at the town’s Victoria Park on Sunday, October 10.
The centrepiece of Southport Classic and Speed will be a fabulous, themed display of veteran, vintage, classic and modern cars from all periods, followed by a grand parade along Lord Street and the promenade, the location of the original 1903 Speed Trial course.
Added attractions will include marque and car club displays, local crafts, food and drink stalls and a shopping village.
Admission for all members of the family will be free.
Classic cars and motorcycles of all periods are invited to take part.
Entry, including the grand parade, is £15; online only via the event website, where further announcements will be made in the coming weeks: For more details visit: www.southportclassicandspeed.com
5. Southport Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival
This year’s Southport Blues, Rhythm & Rock Festival takes place at The Atkinson on Lord Street on Sunday, October 10, between 2pm and 10pm.
Early bird tickets are £29 / advance tickets £33. Plus booking fee £1 per ticket online/phone.
Acts include: Sari Schorr, Dana Gillespie, Kyla Brox, The Cinelli Brothers, Connor Selby and The Mojo Preachers.
For tickets and more details please visit: www. theatkinson.co.uk
6. Spectacular Light Trail
A spectacular after-dark light trail will be coming to Southport this year, from the November 25 to December 23 from 4.30pm each night.
The captivating light trail will weave a 1.2km long route around the grounds at Victoria Park.
Tickets for the light trail are booked on a starting time slot basis, but you can take as long as you like walking the magical trail. Visitors will be welcomed into a Christmas hub area where mulled wine and festive street food stalls will be cooking up tasty treats.
Once on the light trail visitors can expect 3D projections, light tunnels, a wishing tree, interactive shadow play and laser light maze and much more.
In previous years the Luminate event has been held at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate and Margam Park in South Wales.
For tickets visit: www. luminate